Thomas O. “The Old Man” Cole, 79, passed away peacefully April 8, 2012 at the home of his good friend and caregiver, Jean Bennett. He was married to his childhood sweetheart, the late Joan (Arnold) Cole, and their love affair lasted 40 years.

Born in Providence, the beloved son of Thomas H. Cole and Madella (Bennett) Cole, he lived his life in Warwick. Tom Cole was a quahogger out of Apponaug Cove; he was named “The Champ” by his fellow quahoggers and “The Old Man by the generation that followed. On Aug. 15, 1957, at Bristol’s Third annual Quahog Derby, he was given the title of “Rhode Island’s Number One Quahogger.”

He is survived by his two sons, Thomas L. Cole and Robert A. Cole and his wife, Lauren; and his two daughters, Pamela J. Cole and Debra Ducharme and her husband, Kenneth. He was the loving brother of two sisters, Phyllis B. Thorne and the late Dorothy M. Moynihan. He was the grandfather of 11, great-grandfather of four and the friend of many.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation April 13 from 5-7 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m. in Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to VNA Hospice of Care New England, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886 would be appreciated. For information and guest book visit www.murphyfuneralhomes.org.